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The Museum of Science has long been a leader in producing digital exhibits, videos, and
audio presentations that align with our mission: to help transform the nation's relationship with science and technology. With this national reach in mind, we've made it easy for you
to engage with the Museum wherever you are.

Merging Mind and Machine

Publication Date

February 2013

Dr. Jennifer Collinger, a biomedical engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, describes her research on brain-computer interfaces. One particular study looks at a paralyzed individual who can control a robotic arm through an electrode connected to her brain.

Top 10 Science Stories of 2012

Publication Date

January 2013

From the discovery of the Higgs Boson to an exciting new Mars mission, the Current Science and Technology team has been keeping up with innovative research and late-breaking scientific news all year. In an annual tradition, the team will highlight their picks for the 10 most interesting and important science stories of 2012. Discover which stories made the cut, and which one sits atop them all as our number one science story of the year!

Meningitis Crisis

Publication Date

December 2012

Local neurologist Dr. Don Marks talks about the recent meningitis outbreak, a story of great success and great failure. He describes the quick diagnosis of this rare disease and some of the reasons why this tragedy happened in the first place.

Earth-Sized Planet Discovered!

Publication Date

November 2012

What do scientists look for while searching for an earth-like planet? Similar mass and volume, similar star to orbit around, suitable orbit to have liquid water? Scientists recently announced a planet in the nearby Alpha Centauri star system with the first two of these three criteria.

Science on the International Space Station

Publication Date

October 2012

NASA scientist Dr. Liz Warren talks about the amazing engineering feat of the International Space Station. Also, learn about just a few of the many varied science experiments being conducted there right now, and how you can get involved.

Gut Bacteria and Our Immune System

Publication Date

October 2012

Dr. Esi Lamouse, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Boston Children's Hospital, outlines the link between our gut bacteria and the development of our immune system. Understanding this connection may lead to treatments for a variety of immune-related diseases like allergies, asthma, and diabetes.

Curious About Mars!

Publication Date

September 2012

The Mars Science Laboratory Mission rover, named Curiosity, has begun its two year mission on our closest planetary neighbor. Curiosity's primary mission is to determine the past habitability of Mars by looking for evidence of liquid water and other building blocks of life.

The Hunt for the Higgs Boson

Publication Date

September 2012

Nathaniel Reden, a theoretical physicist at Brandeis University, explains the basics of particle physics and the discovery of the Higgs boson with experiments that smashed particles with the highest energies yet achieved. Find out why this discovery excites so many, and how it fits into our current understanding of the universe.

QSTORM: Looking Inside Nerve Cells

Publication Date

August 2012

Our nerve cells contain thread-like molecular-scale transport systems that ferry essential materials from cell bodies to the tips of their axons and back. Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's seem to be associated with traffic jams on these sub-cellular highways. Hear how Carnegie Mellon researcher Ge Yang and the QSTORM biological imaging team are working to achieve super-resolution views of traffic flow beyond the traditional limits of microscopy.

HPV Vaccine is Working

Publication Date

July 2012

A new study shows that the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women receiving the HPV vaccine Gardasil has significantly decreased. There is also a decrease amongst women who have not had the vaccine, because of their protection through herd immunity.

MIT's Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2012

Publication Date

July 2012

Brian Bergstein, deputy editor of MIT's Technology Review, discusses a few of the top 10 emerging technologies of 2012. From Facebook to DNA sequencing to solar panels, these technologies cover a wide range of fields and have a variety of societal impacts.

Is That Fair?

Publication Date

June 2012

Dr. Peter Blake from Boston University, is studying fairness and equality in children. Using game theory with candy and stickers, he observes children's behavior in a variety of "fair" and "unfair" situations.

Breathalyzer for Disease

Publication Date

June 2012

Researchers are developing ways to detect diseases using a breathalyzer. Many disorders- diabetes, cancer, kidney failure- cause the release of certain chemicals into the blood stream. These molecules eventually make their way into our exhaled breath, where very sensitive, specially designed nanotechnologies can detect them for disease diagnosis.

Large Feathered Dinosaurs

Publication Date

May 2012

Even though dinosaurs and birds are closely related, a large feathered carnivore is hard to imagine. Until now. Researchers in China have found a new species called Yutyrannis huali, which is 27 feet long and covered in long, filamentous feathers.

Connecting Astronomy and Medicine

Publication Date

May 2012

Graduate student Michelle Borkin from Harvard University describes her work connecting astronomy with medicine. Hear how 3 dimensional imaging bridges the gap between these two seemingly disparate sciences.

NanoDays 2012: A Nano Toolbox

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Nicola Ferralis, from the Materials Science and Engineering Department at MIT, discusses the usefulness of nanomaterials in general and about his specific research using carbon nanotubes in energy and heat storage.

Detecting and Tracking Asteroids

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Tim Spahr, the director of the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, talks about detecting and tracking asteroids and other near earth objects, including a few recent misses.

Cassini Mission of Saturn

Publication Date

April 2012

Dr. Linda Spilker from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory talks about NASA's Cassini satellite mission studying the planet Saturn. The project is now in its second extension and has made amazing discoveries about the planet, its rings, and its moons Titan and Enceladus.

Stem Cell Trials in Humans | Sugary Drinks and Diabetes

Publication Date

March 2012

Dr. Robert Lanza from Advanced Cell Technology gives us an update on the human embryonic stem cell clinical trial for macular degeneration. Then, Dr. Vasanti Malik talks about her research looking at the link between sugary drinks and type II diabetes.

Studying Butterflies, Studying Water

Publication Date

March 2012

Elena Strekalova, a BU graduate student and Museum of Science Interpreter, gives us a special look at what goes on inside the Museum's Butterfly Garden. She also talks about studying the abnormalities of water with computational physics.

Sugar: Sweet But Deadly? | Zero-Gravity Maneuvers

Publication Date

March 2012

The way our bodies process sugar and store energy was critical to our ancestors' survival, but is strained by today's sugar-rich diet. Then Phillip Cunio from MIT and Todd Sheerin from Harvard discuss the challenges of designing and testing software to let a spacecraft navigate near an asteroid.

Gecko-Inspired Bio-Bandage

Publication Date

March 2012

What do geckos have to do with medical bandages? Hear how Dr. Jeff Karp, a bioengineer who works in both Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, was inspired by gecko toepads to create medical tape for internal organs.

Shape Shifting Proteins | New Bio-Bandage

Publication Date

February 2012

Dr. Jeremy England from MIT talks about his work understanding how proteins change their shape. Then Dr. Paula Hammond from MIT describes her lab's bio-bandage, a quick and effective way to stop bleeding on a battlefield.

3D Printing Revolution

Publication Date

February 2012

Entrepreneur Marina Hatsopoulos, founder of ZCorporation one of the first 3D printing companies, talks about the past, present, and future of 3 dimensional printing. Then David Cranor, founder of Formlabs a new 3D printing company, talks about the importance that 3D printing could have in our every day lives.

Engineering For Our Changing Climate

Publication Date

February 2012

The Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report was recently released. Hear about what this means for the state from local experts including the Chief of Environment and Energy for the City of Boston, architects for the new Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and employees of Environmental services at MASSDOT Highway Division.

Early Bow And Arrow Use | Making A Better Grid Battery

Publication Date

January 2012

Archaeologist Justin Pargeter describes current evidence for the first bows and arrows believed to have been used in South Africa over 60,000 years ago. Also, find out how we can improve our electrical power grid with storage batteries made with new nanomaterial technology.

Earth-like Planets | Better Prosthetic Limbs

Publication Date

January 2012

In the search for Earth-like planets, NASA's Kepler Telescope has recently discovered several planets either similar in size to Earth or a similar distance from its star as Earth is from the sun, but not both. Also, Arthur Petron from the MIT Biomechatronics Group talks about his research with developing better prosthetic limbs.

Playing Soccer For Energy | Emotions and Perception

Publication Date

January 2012

Hear how Soccket co-inventor Julia Silverman is solving energy problems all over the world with the energy harnessing soccer ball. Also, Jolie Baumann from Northeastern University discusses her research into the effects of emotions on our perception of objects.

Our Museum Bees | Forensic DNA Fingerprinting

Publication Date

December 2011

Listen to the museum's very own bee keeper Bill Coleman talk about our bee hive exhibit and the missing bees from the summer. Also, find out about forensic DNA fingerprinting and the controversy behind familial DNA testing.

Top 10 Science Stories of 2011

Publication Date

December 2011

From cutting edge technologies to natural disasters, the Current Science and Technology team has been keeping up with innovative research and the latest in breaking scientific news all year. We chose the 10 most interesting and important of those stories to present to you in this podcast.

The New Madrid Earthquakes, 200 Years Later

Publication Date

December 2011

To recognize the bicentennial of the New Madrid earthquakes that started in the central U.S. on December 16, 1811, three earthquake experts -- John Ebel from Boston College, Jim Kaklamanos from Tufts University, and Paul Morey from FEMA -- share their views on earthquake science and preparedness, and compare the seismic history of New Madrid to that of New England.

The Fuss About Fracking

Publication Date

December 2011

Dr. Rob Jackson from Duke University describes a controversial method for extracting natural gas from deep rock layers and discusses his research investigating possible effects of gas drilling on drinking water in the Marcellus Shale in the northeastern US.

Python Hearts | Safety of Nanotechnology

Publication Date

November 2011

After a python eats a very large meal, its heart can grow significantly larger. Find out how we may be able to use that information to help human hearts. Also, while nanotechnology is quickly growing in importance, many researchers are determining ways to make it as safe yet effective as possible.

Antarctic Expedition

Publication Date

November 2011

Penguins, underwater robots, and strange microorganisms star in this podcast about a recent oceanographic expedition to Antarctica. Several researchers describe some surprising discoveries and the importance of studying long-term ecological change.

Violent Volcanoes: Vesuvius and Beyond

Publication Date

November 2011

Volcanologist Dr. Steve Carey from the University of Rhode Island discusses the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius and the impacts a similarly violent eruption would have on modern society. He also describes his current research on explosive underwater volcanoes.

Better Hurricane Forecasting

Publication Date

October 2011

Dr. Richard Yablonsky from the University of Rhode Island talks about shortfalls of current hurricane forecast models and how different approaches to hurricane modeling could improve forecasts in the future.

Puzzle of the Bones

Publication Date

October 2011

Researchers in South Africa are unearthing remarkably complete skeletons of human ancestors that are 2 million years old. Anthropologist Dr. Jeremy DeSilva from Boston University discusses some of the surprising findings.

Body Liquefaction | Searching for New Earths

Publication Date

September 2011

Learn why body liquefaction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to burial or cremation. Also, hear about the discovery of the latest earth-like planets orbiting other stars . . . and whether they can support life.

Sleeping in Space | New Nano Flame Retardent

Publication Date

September 2011

Caroline Lowenthal from the Man Vehicle Lab at MIT talks about the importance of sleep on the International Space Station. Also, learn about a potential new flame retardant for clothing using nanotechnology.

Regenerating Human Organs

Publication Date

September 2011

Dr. Anthony Atala, Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, describes the types of human organs his group has been able to grow and details the technology involved in these efforts.

In Space: Antimatter and Astronauts

Publication Date

September 2011

Jim Bickford from Draper Laboratory discusses antimatter and how it might be captured for human use. Then, learn about the relationship of the Russian Soyuz program to astronauts on the International Space Station.

Earthquakes in New England | Nano Sized Medicine

Publication Date

September 2011

Learn about the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia that was felt all the way up in Boston. Also, Dr. Jim Wilking from Harvard University talks about his research into developing very tiny pharmaceuticals.

Sequencing Cancer Genomes | Watching Bacteria Build

Publication Date

August 2011

Dr. Franziska Michor, a computational biologist from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, discusses her work with analyzing cancer genomes. Naveen Sinha then talks about how he is using applied physics to study bacterial biofilm formation.

Is It Functional: A Tattoo or a Stegosaurus Tail?

Publication Date

August 2011

Heather Clark from Northeastern University talks about her lab's work using a nanosensor tatoo and an iPhone to check glucose levels in the blood. Also, discover how dangerous that spiky Stegosaurus tail actually was.

Visiting An Asteroid | Reading A Brain

Publication Date

August 2011

Space exploration continues with the Dawn spacecraft currently in orbit around the large asteroid Vesta. Also, a new technology may be able to help teach the brain how to control the body in accident or stroke victims.

Massachusetts Tornadoes | Dating Rocks on Earth and Mars

Publication Date

August 2011

First, Eleanor Vallier-Talbot from the National Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts talks about the recent tornadoes that swept through central Massachusetts on June 1. Then, Dr. Ben Weiss from MIT explains how to use magnetism to date dinosaurs and planets.

Cognitive Radios | Taking Dinosaur Temperatures

Publication Date

July 2011

Dr. Kaushik Chowdhury from Northeastern University discusses radios that can think, learn and adapt. Then, learn how scientists can measure the body temperatures, and even metabolism, of long extinct dinosaurs.

Sending Humans To Space | Detecting Disease Faster

Publication Date

July 2011

Dr. Ryan Kobrick from the Man Vehicle Lab at MIT talks about some of the lab's projects to help prepare humans for long distance space travel. Also, hear about a new device that uses nanoparticles to detect harmful diseases faster than before.

Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2011

Publication Date

June 2011

Stephen Cass, special projects editor for the MIT publication Technology Review, discusses several of the top 10 technologies that could have the largest impact on the world, the country, or the individual. For the complete list, see the website below.

What Is A Dinosaur? | How To Mend A Heart

Publication Date

June 2011

Everyone has a favorite dinosaur, but what is a dinosaur? Is it a reptile? Is it a bird? Dinosaur paleontologist David Varricchio discusses these extinct animals. Also, learn how we may one day be able to mend a broken heart . . . after a heart attack.

Buck-Toothed Demon Lizard | How To Confuse A Mosquito

Publication Date

June 2011

Dr. Hans Sues from the National Museum of Natural History discusses the new T. rex relation he recently identified. Also, learn how we might avoid mosquitoes by confusing their ability to hone in on us.

3D Transistors | Planets Without Stars

Publication Date

May 2011

Michael Mayberry, Director of Components Research at Intel, describes their new and innovative 3 dimensional transistor that will be released later this year. Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger comments on the hypothesis that there are planets in the galaxy without their own star.

Earth Month Guests: A Giant Earthquake and Mercury in the Atmosphere

Publication Date

May 2011

April is Earth Month, and we had many guests here at the museum to present various earth related topics. Dr. Alan Kafka talks about the recent Japan earthquake and earthquakes in general. Then, Dr. Noelle Selin discusses her work on studying mercury in the atmosphere.

RACE: The Boston Marathon and Human Classification

Publication Date

April 2011

Coach Rick Muhr talks about training the Museum of Science Marathon Team for the 2011 Boston Marathon on Monday April 18. Also, Dr. Michael Carson discusses the other definition of race and whether or not there is a genetic basis for the human classifications.

Meet Two MIT Innovators

Publication Date

March 2011

Two distinguished MIT scientists discuss their inventions in this podcast. Dr. Alice Chen, this year's Lemelson-MIT student prize winner, discusses the medical uses for her humanized mice. Then, Dr. Boris Katz describes how his natural language question-answer system enabled the development of a Jeopardy! champion.

Violent Weather: From Tornadoes to the Sun

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. Joshua Wurman from Storm Chasers describes his latest tornado chasing with the VORTEX 2 project. Also, Dr. Nicholas Gross talks about space weather and new ways that scientists can predict how the sun will affect the earth.

Turmoil In The Pacific: Tsunamis and Volcanoes

Publication Date

March 2011

This week we will hear from two experts in Hawaii looking at some of the natural phenomenon occurring in the Pacific. Dr. Nathan Becker will talk about the tsunami created by the recent Japan earthquake and Dr. Matthew Patrick will describe the recent eruptions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii.

Glowing Nanotubes and Making Diamonds

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. Daniel Heller from MIT explains how glowing carbon nanotubes may be used to detect a number of different molecules and even cancer. Dr. Gary Harris from Howard University describes how to make synthetic diamonds . . . for electrical engineering purposes.

Diabetes in Diverse Populations

Publication Date

March 2011

Dr. William Hsu and Dr. Enrique Caballero from the Joslin Diabetes Center talk about the prevalence of diabetes in various ethnic populations. Also, find out why the incidence of type II diabetes is increasing in these populations in the United States and all over the world.

How Great Is Your Good Cholesterol?

Publication Date

February 2011

Dr. Marina Cuchel from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine describes her studies of high density lipoprotein, aka HDL or good cholesterol, and discusses why measuring HDL level is not the best way to understand risk of heart disease.

Perspectives on Climate

Publication Date

February 2011

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that 2010 was tied for the warmest year on record. Hear some perspectives on this information from researchers at the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change.

Making More Stuff!

Publication Date

January 2011

Material scientist Dr. Zvonimir Dogic talks about using biology as inspiration for new synthetic materials. Also, producer Chris Schmidt from Nova's "Making Stuff" talks about the process of making the new series and even mentions some interesting research that was left out of the final cut.

Race, Place, and Health Science

Publication Date

January 2011

Researchers from the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute talk about their health studies in the Boston area. First, we will hear about potential health risks from living too close to highways in Somerville. Then we will hear about the state of parks in Lawrence and how that may affect obesity rates.

Publication Date

January 2011

Studded tires used in winter can prevent accidents, but grinding up the pavement can also cause negative health effects. Parasitic worms are being used and studied to alleviate bowel diseases like colitis.

Top Ten Science Stories of 2010

Publication Date

December 2010

From natural disasters to cutting edge technologies, the Current Science &amp; Technology team at the Museum of Science has been keeping up with new research and innovations all year. Hear our choices for the Top 10 science stories of 2010 in this podcast.

Giant Flying Reptiles | 2010 Hurricane Season

Publication Date

December 2010

How did a 40 foot pterosaur get off the ground to fly through the sky? Listen here to learn about its unique launch style. Also, find out why 2010 was such a busy hurricane, and why we did not feel many of the effects in the US.

Energy Solutions: UMass Wet Lab and a Better Battery

Publication Date

December 2010

John Miller from the Marine Renewable Energy Center talks about the future University of Massachusetts wet lab to be used for wind, wave, and tidal energy research. Also, Dr. Donald Sadoway from MIT describes his research on making better batteries.

Energy Saving Technologies

Publication Date

November 2010

Dr. Angela Belcher from MIT talks about how her lab makes solar cells and batteries with living organisms. Her former student Shakeel Avadhany, CEO and co-founder of Levant Power, introduces GenShock, a novel technology that harvests energy from vehicle shocks and transforms it into electricity.

Tiny Carbon: For Harvesting Heat and Sequencing DNA

Publication Date

November 2010

Hear about an interesting technology, developed by Dr. Long Que at Louisiana Tech University, that can produce electricity from a range of different energy sources . Also, learn about the potential use of graphene in improving the speed of DNA sequencing.

Publication Date

Superbugs

Publication Date

October 2010

Dr. Stuart Levy from Tufts University School of Medicine discusses how bacteria combat the special chemicals we often use to treat infections, and describes why antibiotic resistance is a growing problem on our planet.

Our Stormy Sun

Publication Date

September 2010

Dr. Mike Stevens, a space physicist at the Boston University Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling, describes some of the dynamic phenomenons that occur on the sun and affect us here on Earth. Hear how scientists study this space weather now and about plans for future solar missions.

Food For Thought: Transgenic Salmon

Publication Date

September 2010

A Waltham, Massachusetts company is looking for FDA approval to be able to market their salmon as the first transgenic animal ever to be sold as human food. Listen here for the pros and cons of this controversial food issue.

Head Trauma | Potential for Diabetes Treatment

Publication Date

September 2010

Learn about head trauma in this podcast and decide whether Lou Gehrig really did have the disease that bears his name. Also, hear about a new finding in Type 2 diabetes research that could help prevent the disease in the future.

Jupiter Collision | Using Ivy in Sunscreen

Publication Date

September 2010

Discover how during the formation of our solar system, Jupiter may have been involved in a massive collision which has forever altered it. Switching from the very large to the very small, hear about ivy-based nanoparticles that may be used to make a better sunscreen.

Friends Can Help You Live Longer

Publication Date

August 2010

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University describes her massive comparative study on social relationships and mortality. The results show that having positive social interactions (aka friends) can increase your lifespan. Being lonely is a risk factor tantamount to smoking, alcoholism, and obesity.

Improving Autism Diagnoses | A New Identity for Triceratops

Publication Date

August 2010

Dr. Tal Kenet from Massachusetts General Hospital discusses her work through the Transcend Research Program to identify consistent ways of diagnosing autism. Also, find out how a relative of Triceratops is an even more important family member than previously thought.

Hot Summer In The City | A Surprise Primate Fossil

Publication Date

August 2010

Yes, this summer has been exceptionally hot and you can find out why in this podcast. Also, Dr. Iyad Zalmout and Dr. Bill Sanders join us from the University of Michigan to talk about the discovery of a new primate ancestor.

Saving Sea Turtle Eggs From The Gulf Oil Spill

Publication Date

August 2010

Patricia Behnke from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and David Godfrey from the Sea Turtle Conservancy talk about steps being taken to move 70,000 sea turtle eggs away from the oil in the Gulf of Mexico and relocate them on the east coast of Florida.

New Images of the Sun | 10 Years With The Human Genome

Publication Date

July 2010

Dr. Ed DeLuca from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics talks about the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the amazing new pictures of the Sun. Also, Dr. Destin Heilman from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute discusses the Human Genome Project and what's happened in the 10 years since the genome has been sequenced.

Wearable Electronic Fibers | Cool Vaccines

Publication Date

July 2010

Dr. Yoel Fink, a materials scientist at MIT, brings us into his lab to explain how he makes high-tech, small-sized acoustic fibers. Also, we will hear about preliminary work to create a cool new tuberculosis vaccine.

Marauding Chimpanzees | Artificial Lung Transplants

Publication Date

July 2010

On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Jane Goodall's first observations of chimpanzees in the wild, learn about new data that have led scientists to think about why chimpanzees fight and even kill.
Then, hear about Massachusetts researchers who have been able to grow and transplant functioning lungs into rats.

Extremophiles: On Earth and On Titan?

Publication Date

June 2010

This week we will learn about extreme forms of life: a methane-eating, sulfate-breathing bacteria living in the Earth's Arctic Circle, and a hypothetical (yet improbable) methane-eating organism on Saturn's largest moon Titan.

The Museum's Wind Turbine Lab | World Oceans Day and Hermit Crabs

Publication Date

June 2010

Have you wondered what all those different wind turbines are doing on the roof of the Museum? The Museum's wind analyst Marian Tomusiak will talk all about the Museum's Wind Turbine Lab. Also, during World Oceans Day on June 8 the Museum focused on hermit crabs and some of their social behaviors.

Model Systems: Worms and Walden Pond

Publication Date

May 2010

In this segment, two scientists describe their research using distinct model systems as a way of studying a bigger picture. Dr. Claire Benard from UMass Medical School details how biology of the worm, C. elegans, can provide understanding of human neural disease, and Dr. Charles Davis from Harvard University discusses how local plant ecology can provide information about the environmental effect of climate change.

Domestication of Chickens | Some Bacteria Linked to Obesity

Publication Date

May 2010

Is there a difference between wild chickens and domesticated chickens? Do wild chickens even exist anymore? Can bacteria in our bodies actually cause obesity? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this week's podcast.

Coral Reef Ecology | Birdology

Publication Date

May 2010

In this segment, find out how Dr. Randi Rotjan from the New England Aquarium is studying tropical coral reefs. Also, hear New Hampshire author Sy Montgomery discuss her new book detailing surprising characteristics of birds.

Firefly Scientists!

Publication Date

April 2010

Firefly season is almost here! Listen to firefly scientists Dr. Chris Cratsley and Dr. Kristian Demary talk about their research and about how the citizen science project Firefly Watch has helped them.

Disease Detection: Heart and Eye

Publication Date

April 2010

Hear Dr. Aaron Baggish from Massachusetts General Hospital describe his research on the effectiveness of electrocardiogram screening in young athletes. Then, find out about technologies on the horizon for glaucoma detection and treatment.

It's A Small World: Nano Landscaping and Micro Robotics

Publication Date

April 2010

Hear how Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, a physicist at Harvard University, is able to landscape on the nanoscale by moving around individual atoms. Then Harvard graduate students Ben Finio and Rebecca Kramer talk about how they are using small biological organisms to inspire the design of small robots.

Preventing Prematurity | Beautiful Butterflies

Publication Date

April 2010

Dr. Jon Davis, Chief of Newborn Medicine at Tufts Medical Center and part of the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, talks about causes of newborn prematurity and some ways to prevent it. Then we'll hear about how a beautiful butterfly can be used to study human evolutionary genetics.
Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Guests from NanoDays!

Publication Date

April 2010

Across the country this March, NanoDays celebrated all things tiny. Today's guests include Dr. George Whitesides from Harvard University talking about developing simple medical diagnostics and Dr. Don Ingber from Harvard University explaining how to manipulate cells on the nanoscale.

Fingers: 40,000 year old DNA Identification and Bacterial Fingerprinting

Publication Date

March 2010

DNA from a small 40,000 year old finger may lead to the discovery of another ancient human relative. Physical fingerprints and human DNA might not be the only unique clues at a crime scene once our own bacterial fingerprints are determined.

Da Vinci Surgical Robot | Electric Bacteria

Publication Date

March 2010

Find out how a robot is assisting surgeons with their work and improving outcomes for patients. Also, learn about electricity-producing, ocean-dwelling bacteria that could provide us with new battery solutions.
Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Illuminating Human Diversity and Light Bulb Technologies

Publication Date

March 2010

Learn about the incredible genetic diversity maintained in African people who are members of the oldest lineages of humans. Then, hear a comparison of established and new lighting technologies -- it could help you plan future reductions in your own energy consumption!

Making Movie Magic | Fighting Huntington's Disease

Publication Date

February 2010

Special effects Academy Award winner Dr. Doug Roble describes some of the work he has done on movies like The Day After Tomorrow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Also, scientists have found a possible way to correct for the extra long gene that causes Huntington's disease.

New England Earthquakes | Exploring Arabia

Publication Date

February 2010

Hear Dr. John Ebel discuss his research into New England earthquakes at the Weston Observatory of Boston College. Also, Saudi Arabian filmmaker Hamzah Jamjoom talks about his experience with the new IMAX&#174; movie Arabia.

A Promising Pancreas and CO2 Storage

Publication Date

January 2010

Discover how an artificial pancreas may benefit Type I diabetes patients. Also, while many scientists are trying to reduce carbon emissions, learn how other groups are searching for places to store the carbon dioxide that will be emitted.

Migratory Monarchs

Publication Date

January 2010

Hear Dr. Steven Reppert from the University of Massachusetts Medical School discuss his studies of monarch butterflies and learn surprising information about the biology of the insects and their annual migration.

Robots That Climb Or Act Human

Publication Date

December 2009

New technologies are constantly being developed to improve the function of robots. This week's episode focuses on two different types of robots: biologically inspired climbing robots and a pair of virtual humans. Both are on display at the Museum of Science, Boston in Cahner's ComputerPlace.

Canning BPA and Tracking Neurons

Publication Date

December 2009

BPA is not just in water bottles; it is also in many canned foods. Find out how the exposure limits for the intake of BPA are devised. Then learn about a new method for imaging a mouse's nerve cells as it grows new connections.

Obesity: You and Your Pet

Publication Date

December 2009

Dr. Lisa Freeman from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University discusses the burgeoning problem of pet obesity. She describes steps we can take to reduce the risk of obesity-related disease in our household friends.
Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Why Should I Vaccinate? | Building A Better Hand

Publication Date

November 2009

Listen to Dr. Anita Loughlin from the Boston University Center for Vaccine Research as she answers vaccination questions and dispels vaccine myths. Also, learn how researchers are building a better prosthetic hand by connecting them to nerve cells.

Helpful Bee Stings | Prehistoric Primates

Publication Date

October 2009

Although bee stings can be painful and possibly harmful, discover how the toxin may also be able to help kill cancer cells. Then, find out if ancient primates Ida and Afradapis are our cousins or our ancestors.

Publication Date

Measures of Melting | Green Batteries

Publication Date

October 2009

The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are constantly changing. In the first part of this podcast, find out how this happens and how scientists are measuring these changes. Then, learn about a type of algae that could significantly improve our current battery technology.

Space, The Final Frontier: Lunar Water and Black Holes

Publication Date

September 2009

On October 9, the LCROSS satellite will crash into the Moon in the search for lunar water. Our guest Andrew Chaikin gives a guided tour of the Moon. Also, astrophysicist Dan Evans talks about a galaxy-destroying black hole.

The Appendix and The Adhesive

Publication Date

September 2009

The appendix is an organ that has been around for millions of years - it has a function in other animals, but is it useful in humans? Find out more in this segment. Also, learn about a medical adhesive that mimics the natural glue produced by sandcastle worms.

The Secret Life of Robotic Bees

Publication Date

August 2009

Spying, exploring, pollinating. These are just some of the many uses for robotic bees. Hear how a wide range of scientists and engineers at Harvard University are designing a mechanical form of this social insect.

The Benefits of Blueberries and the Bitterness of Broccoli

Publication Date

August 2009

Blueberries are a well-known healthy food, but blueberry leaves may now play a beneficial role in treating Hepatitis C. DNA sequencing of the Neanderthal genome suggests that our extinct cousins would have been able to taste the bitterness of broccoli in a way similar to humans.

Fighting Cancer with Salmonella | Tracking Wastewater with Sweeteners

Publication Date

July 2009

Find out how Salmonella cells may be able to fight cancer in a unique two wave attack. Also, learn how artificial sweeteners can be used to track the migration of wastewater after release into the environment.

Total Eclipse of the Sun

Publication Date

July 2009

On July 22, 2009 there will be a six minute interval where the moon will completely block out the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse. Scientists are flocking to the Eastern Hemisphere to study the Sun's corona during this impressive event.

Wild Cancers and Robotic Ferrets

Publication Date

July 2009

This week we will learn how wild animals can develop cancer and what that means for conservation efforts. Then we will find out about a technology that could one day "ferret out" the contents of large shipping containers.

Water on the Moon? Dental Plasma?

Publication Date

June 2009

Learn how the recent unmanned mission to the moon will prepare us for humans' return to the lunar surface. Also, find out how plasma, the fourth state of matter, may be used to kill bacteria in a root canal.

5D DVD | 17 Genes of TB

Publication Date

June 2009

Discover how you may one day be able to store all of your movies and all of your books (and all of the library's books) together on one disk. Also, learn what researchers have found out about how tuberculosis attacks our body.

Two Different Jungles: Ugandan and Epidermal

Publication Date

June 2009

This week will be exploring two different types of jungles. Hear Dr. Jeremy DeSilva describe how studying chimpanzees in a Ugandan jungle can tell us more about locomotion in human ancestors. Also, learn about our own epidermal jungle, including all the bacteria that live on our skin.

Little Green Monkeys and Little Green Men

Publication Date

June 2009

Sorry, but there is no science fiction in this week's episode, just real science. We will learn how and why scientists are making green, glowing marmosets. Also, we will find out if liquid water exists on Mars and what that means for the possibility of life on our planetary neighbor.

Primates and Plastics

Publication Date

May 2009

In this segment, find out what scientists have learned from the oldest complete primate fossil ever unearthed. Then hear how yet another type of plastic is raising questions about adverse human health effects.

Forces That Change Us: Aging and Bacteria

Publication Date

May 2009

This week we will hear from two guest researchers from our Forces That Change Us series. Dr. Heidi Tissenbaum will describe her research into aging. Dr. David Schauer will discuss why the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori can cause peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, but not always!

Water: To Drink and To Store

Publication Date

February 2009

This week's episode focuses on the importance of water. We will hear new research on how to filter and purify drinking water. We will also learn how phytoplankton in our oceans can remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Cleaning Coal and Removing Lead

Publication Date

February 2009

Guest researcher Ashleigh Hildebrand talks about her work on implementing carbon capture systems at coal-fired power plants. Also, a new technique using nanoparticles may be able to remove lead from human blood.

Exploring Mars

Publication Date

January 2009

Dr. Steve Squyres, principal investigator for the mission behind the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, talks about the journey of this Mars project. This comes at the 5 year anniversary of the Mars rover mission that was only scheduled to last 90 days.

Top 10 of 2008: Bones, Mammoths, and Mars, Oh My!

Publication Date

January 2009

The museum's Susan Heilman discusses her list of the top 10 science stories of 2008. See what stories were most important and interesting, including the scientific side of the election and the Olympics.

New Electric Trucks in Maui

Publication Date

January 2009

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more prominent, however the long recharging time is often a drawback. Today we will learn how the new lithium titanate battery in the Phoenix Motorcar can be recharged in less than ten minutes.

Technology Talk: Breast Imaging

Publication Date

December 2008

This holiday segment features Dr. Elaine Iuanow from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who describes different medical technologies that are currently and potentially useful for detecting breast cancers.

Flying Car | CO2 In Our Oceans

Publication Date

December 2008

This week we will learn about how a flying car may become a reality with the Transition. Also, we will find out how CO2 is affecting not just our air but our oceans and the organisms that live in them.

Treating Obesity | Importance of Molybdenum

Publication Date

December 2008

Our guest Dr. Sasha Stiles from the Tufts Obesity Clinic discusses the background of and some treatments for obesity. Also, we will hear about the role that molybdenum plays in nitrogen fixation, and the effect it can have on climate change.

Brains, Birth, and Bipedalism

Publication Date

December 2008

Guest Dr. Jeremy DeSilva from Worcester State College talks about an exciting new fossil discovery. A female Homo erectus pelvis found in Ethiopia answers questions about the biology of birth in our ancestors 1.2 million years ago.

Shaping Our Heart | Future of Speakers

Publication Date

November 2008

Guest Dr. Aaron Baggish from Massachusetts General Hospital will tell us how exercise can help reshape our body's most important muscle . . . our heart. We will also learn about new nanotechnology that may be used to create new (and better) audio speakers.

Potential for Pencils and Electric Eels

Publication Date

November 2008

This week we will discover a new way to peel the layers away from a pencil on the nanoscale and then use the remaining graphene sheets for many varied applications. We will also learn how an electric eel generates electricity and about some interesting applications for that knowledge.

Journey Towards the Center of the Earth | Breathing in Boston

Publication Date

November 2008

Extreme life has been found all over the planet, but researchers have recently discovered a very unique form of extreme life deep inside the earth. Also, guest researcher Dr. Doug Brugge talks about his studies of asthma in various Boston populations.
Support provided by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Two Ways to Study Disease: GFP and Epigenetics

Publication Date

October 2008

Today we will hear about two different ways to study disease. The first is using GFP, for which the discovery and use of won the 2008 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Then we will learn about how epigenetics, the study of gene expression, is used in cancer research.

Elevator to Space | Photographing Lightning

Publication Date

October 2008

This week we will be looking to the sky. First, we will hear about new efforts to build a space elevator. Then we will learn about how existing high-speed photography helps us discover new information about lightning.

Inventing the Movies

Publication Date

October 2008

Movies are not just an art form but a platform for scientific invention and innovation. Journalist Scott Kirsner discusses the history of movies and the scientific advances that have made them what they are today.

Using Geology and Archaeology Together

Publication Date

September 2008

Geologist Dr. Allen Gontz talks about how he uses geology together with archaeology to uncover parts of Boston's history. He describes two of his projects: one on Rainsford Island in Boston Harbor, and the other at the Blake House in Dorchester.

China's Smog Experiment | Bending Light . . . Backwards

Publication Date

August 2008

This week we will learn more about two popular news stories. First, China's emission reductions during the Olympic Games has afforded the perfect opportunity to study atmospheric smog. Also, new materials to bend visible light backwards could lead to some interesting new inventions.

I'm Sorry | Storing Solar Energy

Publication Date

August 2008

Guest researcher Craig Smith talks about his project studying apology, and the accompanying emotions, in children. Also, we will hear about a new way of storing solar energy- by using a more efficient method to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.

Infant Facial Recognition | Fish Communication

Publication Date

July 2008

In this week's episode we will learn about two very different studies concerning the brain. First we will hear about a study of facial recognition in babies. Then we will discuss the evolutionary significance of fish vocalization.

Stopping Cancer with Nanoparticles | Antibacterial Honey

Publication Date

July 2008

This week we will hear about two potential new ways to fight disease. First, nanoparticles may be used with traditional chemotherapeutics to selectively target and kill cancer cells. Also, honey is not just for eating but may be used to kill many types of bacteria.

Live from Greenland!

Publication Date

July 2008

Live via satellite phone from the Greenland ice sheet, we will hear from glaciologist Sarah Das of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She will talk about life on the ice and her current research involving melt water lakes and their impact on the ice sheet.

Fighting the MRSA Superbug | New Mosquito Repellents

Publication Date

June 2008

Hear how scientists are treating the MRSA superbug with bacteriophage, a naturally occurring virus that has evolved to specifically kill bacteria. Researchers have also found several chemicals with potential for use as mosquito repellents.

Human-Robot Interaction | The Unique Platypus

Publication Date

June 2008

Guest researcher Mikey Siegel describes personal robots and tells us about his interest in the human-robot interaction. We'll also hear about the uniqueness of the platypus- part mammal, part bird, part reptile.

The Past, Present, and Future of Nuclear Energy

Publication Date

April 2008

For Earth Month, we have nuclear scientist Dr. Andrew Kadak talking about one of the most widely used forms of alternative energy: nuclear power. He will discuss the benefits and risks involved and where the future of nuclear power is going.

The Next Mars Rover | Testing Probiotics

Publication Date

February 2008

On this episode, we'll take another trip to the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting to learn about the next Mars rover, and we'll learn about putting an antibiotic antidote to the test.

Publication Date

Silicon Chip Recovery |The Great American Smokeout

Publication Date

November 2007

Discover how IBM is saving valuable silicon chips that were once thrown out, saving money in the process. We'll also hear from Dr. Howard Koh, associate dean at the Harvard School of Public Health, about the Great American Smokeout held on November 15.

Local Conversations About the Environment | AltWheels Festival

Publication Date

October 2007

The last nine years have made the list of the 25 hottest on record, and arctic sea ice is at a record low. To address what can be done about climate change, we're taking a look at two different events that happened in the past week.

Genographic Project | Velociraptor or Turkey?

Publication Date

September 2007

This week, we'll talk to a researcher who is taking DNA samples from over 100,000 people to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We'll also learn some surprising news about the infamous velociraptor.

Publication Date

August 2007

On this week's show, we'll hear about the discovery of two fossils that are causing a bit of a shakeup in human evolution circles, and we'll talk about a push for a big reduction in CO2 emissions being proposed by the state of California.

A Pill to Prevent Cholera | Studying Biodiversity

Publication Date

July 2007

Today we'll look at promising research into a new type of vaccine that could give us a pill to prevent cholera - and maybe a number of other diseases. We'll also look at the concept of biodiversity: how important is it to have a variety of species in an ecosystem?

The Science of Fireworks

Publication Date

Silicon Slips Into Biology | Listening to Your Genes

Publication Date

June 2007

Today we'll talk to two scientists who are taking a bit of a different look at biology: one is using silicon to make molecules that are impossible in nature, and the other is using music to better understand DNA.

Using the Fight Against Spam to Digitize Books | Missing Bees Mystery

Publication Date

May 2007

This week, we'll hear about how one of those little annoyances of life on the Internet has been modified to digitize libraries while also fighting spam. We'll also look into the mystery of America's missing bees.

Millions for Stem Cell Research | Your Bacteria-Fighting Skin

Publication Date

May 2007

This week, we'll examine a new proposal to spend $1 billion on stem cell research and other biotechnologies, and learn about a study that shows that your skin is doing a lot more for you than you thought.

Engineering Body Parts | Understanding Potato Blight

Publication Date

April 2007

On this episode, we'll talk to a researcher whose work on a 150-year-old potato disease is helping to keep our food safe today.
We'll also speak to a scientist who designs scaffolding that's used to build body parts.

Using the "E word" | Talking Gloves for the Deaf

Publication Date

March 2007

Today we've got a look at how use of the word "evolution" in science impacts the way the general public thinks about the concept of evolving organisms. We'll also talk to an engineer who has developed a glove that can convert sign language into speech.

Kicking Off the International Polar Year

Publication Date

March 2007

March first marked the beginning of the International Polar Year, a world-wide scientific program focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. So this week, we'll talk to Chris Linder from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who will be visiting some of these polar projects during the IPY.

Diagnosis-On-a-Chip and Flowing Water on Mars

Publication Date

December 2006

We've got two pretty exciting stories this week: a device the size of a stick of gum that has the potential to diagnose any infectious disease, and a phone interview with a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab about new evidence for flowing water on Mars.

Publication Date

Help From Chocolate Cheaters and Gas on the Moon

Publication Date

November 2006

Adam is back from vacation with a story of a few study participants whose weakness for chocolate gave the scientists an unexpected surprise.
We'll also look at an unusual feature on the Moon that may be caused by escaping gas.

Bad News for Nits and Targeted Tiny Test Tubes

Publication Date

November 2006

Discover how problems with lice research in Utah and problems with lice at home added up to a new way to dislodge these pests that torment over 9 million children in the United States every year.
Also, hear how a group of scientists at the University of Florida is putting corks in tiny test tubes that could be filled with anti-cancer agents and directly targeted to tumors.

Breaking the Knock Barrier with Ethanol

Publication Date

November 2006

One of the primary factors limiting the power output of internal combustion engines is pre-ignition. Called "knock," pre-ignition happens when the fuel and air mixture ignites before the ideal time for power output due to heat created in the course of compression. A group of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working with engineers at Ford believe they can tame knock with a cool idea involving ethanol and what happens when it evaporates.

The Brain's Role in Feeling Full and Shaking Breasts to Detect Cancer

Publication Date

October 2006

This week, we&#39;ll look at how your brain might be having a similar reaction to food that it would have to addictive drugs, and we&#39;ll hear about how vibrations could be used to detect breast cancer.

Toxic Injections to Prevent Scars and the Sound of Cancer

Publication Date

October 2006

We&#39;ve got a biology show for you this week, with a reason why you might want to be given a deadly toxin after a car accident.
We'll also hear all about why doctors may one day be listening for skin cancer as well as looking for it.

New Breast Imaging Technology and a Very Old Toddler

Publication Date

September 2006

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we'll take an extended look at breast imaging technology with a radiologist, and then we'll spend a few minutes talking about the newly announced oldest hominid child fossil.

Traffic-Tracking Telephones and Wired-up Neurons

Publication Date

September 2006

On this week's show, we'll learn about a new way your cell phone could keep you out of traffic jams, and we'll hear about how researchers at Harvard are bringing us one step closer to becoming one with technology.

Oil-Eating Bacteria and the Problems with Pluto

Publication Date

August 2006

Today we'll hear about a breakthrough in the work to use oil-eating bacteria to clean up oil spills. We will also have Owen Gingerich, chairman of the International Astronomical Union's Planet Definition Committee, to give us a definitive look at the announcement that we really only have eight planets in our solar system.

Golden Cancer Therapy and Tiny Volcanoes

Publication Date

August 2006

Today we'll examine a new way to treat cancer using gold, glass, and light; we'll hear about the discovery of miniature volcanoes on the ocean floor; and since our look at Venus last week was so popular, we'll get another update from the world of space.

Surgery on Barbaro and Lego Sensors

Publication Date

June 2006

This week, we'll start with a look at the cutting edge veterinary technology behind the treatment of injured Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. After that, we'll hear about some toys that could have all of us building scientific instruments out of Legos.

Liquid Nano-armor and Drilling for Gabbros

Publication Date

Vasectomy Verification

Publication Date

April 2006

We've got a bit shorter show this week because of the Doctors Without Borders episode we put out yesterday, but we wanted to do at least one segment on current research for you, so we picked something in honor of the season.
Spring — for some — brings thoughts of the birds and the bees, but not necessarily of little children running around. So, with that in mind, we'd like to talk about a new study on vasectomies, just published this month.

Oil From Farms and a DNA Detective

Publication Date

April 2006

This week, we'll look at how the leftovers from what you eat might soon be in your gas tank. We'll also get a visit from an MIT researcher who'll tell us about some DNA detective work he's doing on tiny ocean organisms.

Potential Planets Around Dead Stars and a New Missing Link

Publication Date

April 2006

We've got two big stories to cover on this week's show. We'll start by talking to an MIT scientist about his recent discovery of planet-building material in the remnants of a dead star. Then, we'll discuss a breakthrough fossil discovery with one of the Museum's fossil experts.

Desert Craters and Kenyan Public Health

Publication Date

March 2006

This week, we interview a prominent geologist about his recent discovery of a giant impact crater in the Sahara Desert, and then we hear the former public health officer of Kenya talk about his experiences dealing with disease in Africa.

Water on Saturn's Enceladus and Confusing News About Fat

Publication Date

March 2006

We talk about the recently announced evidence for liquid water on one of Saturn's moons with a member of the Cassini Team, and try to clear up some confusion caused by a recent study about what should be for dinner.

Cave-Diving Under the Yucatan

Publication Date

March 2006

This week we're devoting the whole show to an true explorer who SCUBA dives into pitch-black, water-filled caves under Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Our guest was recently the subject of a BBC documentary entitled “Secrets of the Maya Underworld,” and we're lucky enough to have caught him while he was up here in New England.

Pollution Studies and Learning the Future of Men from Chimps

Publication Date

February 2006

We start with a look at pollution: both the impact that pollution has on you, and the impact you may have on pollution. Then, a guest scientist tells us about her research into whether or not men may one day disappear from the human race.

Abundant Microbes and a Musical Guest

Publication Date

February 2006

We start by taking a look at some tiny creatures who may be able to help us take a really big view of our planet. In the second half, we have our first guest artist. He uses computer technology to create unique musical compositions.

Saving Your Ears and Dating the Earth

Publication Date

February 2006

This week we have a quick look at how iPods and other players can damage your hearing. Then we have a guest from MIT who gives us a close look at how we measure the age of the Earth, and how some of those tools can teach us a lot about the history of life on our planet.

Forest Health and the Inner Workings of Alzheimer's

Publication Date

January 2006

Guest scientist Barry Rock from UNH talks about measuring forest health and a way you can help. Also, the Museum's Cheryl Wojciechowski talks to a Harvard researcher about some of the the inner workings of Alzheimer's disease, and they use that information to examine some hopeful directions research is taking.